Pupils, staff and partners are celebrating the official opening of a new extension to St Christopher’s Special School in Lincoln.
The new block provides additional teaching spaces including eight classrooms, a food technology and social skills room, a hall and kitchen, small group rooms and calming spaces. There’s also a medical inspection room, hygiene facilities, and staff and meeting rooms.
In addition, the existing school has undergone remodelling work to provide two further classrooms and therapy spaces, such as sensory and physiotherapy. Outside, the school now has improved playing areas, a horticulture area and sensory garden.
Cllr Mrs Patricia Bradwell OBE, executive member for children’s services, said: “Combined with the new site for St Christopher’s primary-aged pupils, which opened last year, this project has created over 100 extra special school places for the city and surrounding area.
“Moving forward, the Hykeham Road site will now cater to St Christopher’s secondary-aged pupils. Staff and pupils have been in the new-and-improved school since the start of term, and the feedback has been very positive so far.
“This is the latest success resulting from our special school improvement project, which has seen over £100m invested to improve facilities and create over 500 additional places across the county. We’re now planning a second phase of improvements to build on that good work.”
Niall McCordick, head of school, added: “With an ever-growing demand for special need places, St Christopher’s are very excited about the opportunities the new build offers our students and the wider community.
“It is essential for both our families and young people to create opportunities which enable them to access high-quality, special education close to home.
“The excellent work being carried out across Lincolnshire special schools will enhance the future prospects of our children and young people, and we are very proud to be a part of this journey.
“LCC have been so supportive, and we have worked collaboratively with outside contractors to develop this very special resource which will serve the local community for years to come. We look forward to a brighter future!”
The new extension was a design and build contract carried out by Wates, using architecture services from Kier Design.